Just wondering who might downshift using Select Shift, such as when coming to a stop light or just to slow down. My last two vehicles were manuals, and I always downshifted when coming to a stop - using the engine to slow the vehicle down. Plus, it tends to save the brakes and make them last longer.

 

I've played around with it but no, I don't use it at all unless I happen to find that hill that makes my truck hunt gears. Then ill lock out 6th if need be.

 

It is rare that I do, usually if it's hunting around too much or coasting down a hill into a small town (reduced speed) too quickly. Otherwise, I leave it alone.

 

I tried with mine but a tiny 3.5L doesn't seam to want to stop a big truck so I don't do it.

 

I'll drop out 6th gear when towing.

 

I use mine to slow the truck when traveling down the larger hills of the Smokey Mountains here in North Carolina. But, not in the city.

 

I'll eliminate gears, but never force a downshift with the select shift.

 

I have been playing around with the select shift lately to see when it might be useful. I have a theory about using it to improve performance in certain situations where auto doesn't cut it - see my next post for more on this - but to stay on topic, I use auto with lockout of upper gear(s) when going down long hills so I don't ride the brakes. Today I rode down a long, twisty neighborhood road at 25-30mph with 4,5 and 6 locked out and didn't have to touch the brakes. Engine was turning about 1700rpm. I don't downshift much in "M" because you don't have to. Despite the urge to downshift when coming to a stop, as you would with a conventional manual transmission, I have learned that it is better with selectshift to just let it take over. It downshifts in "M" just the same as it does in "D" when you are coming to a stop. Pretty cool once you get used to it.

 

I use mine when going down the mountains in my part of Tennessee. It really saves on having to ride the brakes.

 

I hadn't even thought about it. LOL.